Melbourne radio legend Phil Brady dies

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Melbourne radio identity Phil Brady has passed away following a long illness.

On Sundays until announcing his retirement nine days ago.

Presenter Tom Elliott made the announcement on the radio.

“Philip had a short fight with cancer, but his spirits were always high throughout treatment, and he still enjoyed the company of mates and shared loads of stories and laughs,” Beers said.

program in 1991.

“Phil joined forces with Simon Owens after Bruce's passing in 2016. He collected many industry accolades and his shows consistently topped the ratings over a long period. Phil was a great mate to many, genuinely passionate about his on-air work and offering guidance, support and friendship to countless listeners and colleagues. He'll be deeply missed by everyone at 3AW.”

Elliott told listeners that Brady was conscious he didn't have a lot of time left to live.

“I spoke to him last year and he was battling cancer pretty badly and didn’t expect to make it much longer,” Elliott said.

“Fair dinkum, I'm not surprised, but it's a real sadness for me 'cause I reckon we won't be seeing anyone like Philip Brady again. He could knock it out of the park with a joke, have a serious chat if needed, and always had a cheeky grin on his face. I'm pretty gutted he's no longer with us.”

Simon Owens felt a lump in his throat as he recalled Brady's last few months on the air.

“Fair dinkum, my whole career's thanks to him,” Owens said to Elliott.

“His dedication to his fans is truly remarkable. He got his cancer diagnosis on the 5th of December – pancreatic cancer that had spread to the liver – and he went downhill rapidly. He wouldn't let his audience know about it. In his own words, ‘I'm here to entertain them, mate, not to bring them down’.”

Speaking with Andrew McLaren on Sunday night since Brady's retirement.

Fans were also quick to pay tribute to Brady.

"G'day, as a nipper I recall some sleepless nights and rough times, listenin' to him and Bruce. They were absolute gentlemen and a glimpse into another world," listener Toby said.

“Showed when telly first started in '56, I reckon he was on in '58 with Graham Kennedy and Bert Newton, and what a top bloke he was.”

On hanging up his boots, Brady had a humble reflection on his long career with 3AW.

I reckon I've got nothing special to offer, I don't have any talents like singing or dancing, I don't try to be funny, and I don't put on a show. I don't know how I've managed to get away with it, but I think the secret is just to be yourself and if people are okay with that, then it's easy as, and you can just keep going on and on forever.

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